The Girl From Ipanema Astrud Gilberto

Bossa Nova (meaning "new wave" in Portuguese) emerged in the late 1950s as an amalgamation of Brazilian samba rhythms and harmonic melodies that João Gilberto and composer Antônio Carlos Jobim had drawn from American jazz.

During a time when Jazz was gradually losing its popularity, saxophonist Stan Getz invited Gilberto and Jobim to New York to record an album in 1963. Seeking a fresh sound, Getz planned to explore the world of bossa nova, collaborating with the two leaders of the genre.

By then, bossa nova had gained some recognition among American listeners, thanks to the theme titled "Manhã de Carnaval" of the Franco-Brazilian movie "Black Orpheus."

João reached the A&R recording studio in Manhattan, bringing along his then-wife Astrud Gilberto. Though she was not a professional singer back then, she lent her voice to two tracks: "The Girl from Ipanema (Garota de Ipanema)" and "Corcovado."

"The Girl from Ipanema" quickly became a symbol of the bossa nova genre, leading many to believe that Astrud Gilberto, João Gilberto's wife, was the muse behind the song. However, the true inspiration came from a girl named Heloísa Pinheiro that would pass by Antônio Carlos Jobim's favorite bar near Ipanema Beach.

"The Girl from Ipanema" won a Grammy in 1965 for Record of the Year, and Astrud Gilberto received nominations for best new artist and best vocal performance.

Surprisingly, João Gilberto was paid $23K for the "Getz/Gilberto" session and Stan Getz earned nearly a million dollars from the album's sales; but Astrud who played a significant role in the album's success, reportedly received a mere $120 in session fees, in addition to receiving no credit on the album.

In 1964, Astrud and João Gilberto divorced, and the Brazilian press placed the blame on her for the end of their marriage, fueled by rumors of an affair with Getz.